Looking to take the plunge and buy my first real road bike (currently riding a flat bar roadie, Giant CRX3).

I have about $2k to spend. Rather than buy an entry level carbon bike, my aim is to buy a good quality alloy bike that I will keep for a few years and upgrade components along the way.

The bike that has caught my eye is Cannondale's CAAD9 5 (2010 model). I'm led to believe that the alloy frame has a great reputation. Tomorrow, I'm taking one for a test ride, so should get a better feel for it then.

With the CAAD10 5 (2011 model) about to be released, I can pick up the CAAD9 5 (2010 model) for just under $2k (RRP $2,800). My dilemma is, should I wait a few months and buy the CAAD10 5 (2011 model) for about $2,200 (like everything, this year's new model's RRP is much lower than last year's), or should I stick to the tried and tested CAAD9.

These are the pro's and con's as far as I can tell.

CAAD9 5Last of the 'Made in USA' framesOld, though trusted, frameOld version of 105 kit

CAAD10 5Made in Taiwan frame (from 2011, the frames for all Cannondale bikes will be made in Taiwan)New frame design/build (big change from CAAD9 frame ... could be good or bad) New version of 105 kit

If anyone has any inside knowledge on CAAD9s or 10s, I'd love to hear from them.

I've got a CAAD9 1 and think it is the best bike in the world. That is a completely rational and unbiased opinion. I won't enter any argument, it is the best, I love it.In you're shoes I'd pick the older frame, it's tried and tested, the new one is just that, new and untested.Being a bit more serious though, the best thing you can do is try and test both and make your own mind up. I wouldn't limit your choice to just these two bikes. As good as the Cannondales are, there are heaps of other very good bikes out there, one of which might just suit you better.One or two comments on my bike; it has more expensive running gear than the 5 (105 is good stuff, still using it on a steel bike from 1989), none-the-less essentially the same bikes, my bike is light, fast, quiet, smooth, looks good and is a pleasure to ride. What more could I want?

Not neccessarily, but the Caad 9 is a fantastic build and its the last of an era... so why not be in it. The frame is awesome, it really does compete with CF, although keep in mind that this isn't the same for all alloy frames, some are obvioulsy better than others.

I doubt the quality will change between the USA and Taiwan, Cannondale will have strict controls in place, but your buying history now.

nice choice to have, the mighty AUD$ is opening up some interesting options.

CAAD9 frames are classic, I know a bloke who more often than not picks his 40,000 km old favourite to ride despite having two newer carbon bikes in the garage, I'm sure the new model will also be classic in time. Have a look on Bike Forums - the cult of CAAD is huge there

understand though that Cannondale "105" means FSA crank and Tektro brakes,I don't know why they do this because it make me wonder where else they've trimmed specs to fit into a price bracket. Shimano RS10 wheels are an upgrade waiting to happen as well

Dac wrote:nice choice to have, the mighty AUD$ is opening up some interesting options.

CAAD9 frames are classic, I know a bloke who more often than not picks his 40,000 km old favourite to ride despite having two newer carbon bikes in the garage, I'm sure the new model will also be classic in time. Have a look on Bike Forums - the cult of CAAD is huge there

understand though that Cannondale "105" means FSA crank and Tektro brakes,I don't know why they do this because it make me wonder where else they've trimmed specs to fit into a price bracket. Shimano RS10 wheels are an upgrade waiting to happen as well

I agree - some of the components arn't that flash, but I figure I can upgrade by stealth (when the treasurer has her back turned)

Buying the bike with componentry that you are already earmarking for upgrading is false savings. Nothing wrong with "old" 5600 105 groupset. But with each new version, Shimano incorporates better technology (so you get better bang for buck). More so with the new variant 5700 groupset, its a completely re-designed groupset.

Go the Caad10.

You want to dabble in classic bikes, get a steel bike someone left by the roadside.

Another thot, and the path I would go because I have built up several bikes, ask if the frameset is available separately, crunch the numbers with prices of groupset from CRC/PBK and fitting kit. Chances are that you will not save any money, BUT you get all the components you want/need to begin with. However this can be costly if you dont already have the tools to build it up yourself.

I love my CAAD9. I had all intentions of buying the CAAD10 but the runout price on the CAAD9 was too good to resist. I got the Durace (FSA cranks but Durace brakes) setup for over $1000 less than rrp. The CAAD10 is reportedly a few hundred grams lighter, and although I always consider weight, it wasn't enough to sway me. The last of the American made frames doesn't mean it's better, but I have to be honest, it made me a little more confident. Lifetime frame warranty on both I think anyway.

I tried some carbon frame around the same price range but found the CAAD9 to be superior for me.

toppity wrote:I love my CAAD9. I had all intentions of buying the CAAD10 but the runout price on the CAAD9 was too good to resist. I got the Durace (FSA cranks but Durace brakes) setup for over $1000 less than rrp. The CAAD10 is reportedly a few hundred grams lighter, and although I always consider weight, it wasn't enough to sway me. The last of the American made frames doesn't mean it's better, but I have to be honest, it made me a little more confident. Lifetime frame warranty on both I think anyway.

I tried some carbon frame around the same price range but found the CAAD9 to be superior for me.

I wouldn't hesitate recomending the CAAD9.

Thanks, Toppity.

Nice to hear from someone who has recently purchased a CAAD9. Sounds like you had the same decision to make as me. Carbon v. Alloy / CAAD9 v. CAAD10.

The Yanks go crazy over the CAAD9 - I suspect, because it was the last USA-made frameset in the CAAD series.

I've never ridden one, but accept they are a nice rig - I'm glad that I went CAAD10 and beleive that newer technology must have some benefits, or they wouldn't continue to develop new tech, would they?!?!?

I have a 56cm 2009 95,(in gunmetal gray) and I love it.Dont worry bout the groupset too much, you can always upgrade later on. Tekro brakes are rubbish (had a few warranty claims on them) , I swapped mine for Ultegra brakes.

[quote="trailgumby"..............snip.............sanded welds that confuse the uninitiated into thinking it's a CF frame....snip..........[/quote]

Odd that you mention this TG, as I've had more than one person say that my CAAD10 looks like it is a carbon frame and all were bemused when I said aluminium, with one not believing me until I explained C-A-A-D to him...hahaha

I concur. The welds on my 11 CAAD10 are very smooth and I've also had fellow riders thinking it was a carbon framed bike. Welds on later model 10's don't look as smooth though so perhaps attention to this detail fell away from the earlier 10's?I've not ridden a 9 but I must say that my 10 is an amazing bike. I can't imagine ever needing a better bike!

Tim wrote:I've got a CAAD9 1 and think it is the best bike in the world. That is a completely rational and unbiased opinion. I won't enter any argument, it is the best, I love it.

Oh how time and experience can change an attitude and opinion.I'll never buy any overpriced, BB30, unreliable, breakable, poorly supported (by manufacturer and importers) piece of Cannondale junk again. Period.

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